At the beginning of July 2008, German gaming clan n!faculty announced the opening of the first e-sports clubhouse in the world. Planning the Cologne venue took over twelve months. The clubhouse will serve as a location for bootcamps, events and e-sports seminars.

With the help of several public organisations and the world's largest microprocessor manufacturer, Intel, n!faculty was able to secure a central and luxurious location for the first e-sports clubhouse after a long search. So, what is it for?

As n!faculty is a not-for-profit organisation, the aim is to use the clubhouse to spread the understanding of and appreciation for e-sports among the general population. One target audience is parents who are seeking more information about e-sports and the culture that surrounds it. The clan is already planning road shows to meet their needs. Also, ambassadors of public and social services will be invited to inform and be informed.

As guest of honour Fritz Schramma, Mayor of Cologne, was present at the opening, the project has already built credibility. With its social goals and political support, n!faculty's club house underscores the growing importance of e-sports.

It seems likely that this project will help e-sports in Germany take a large step forward. The phenomenon of electronic sports is no longer a fringe activity. The opening of the clubhouse proves that e-sports is going mainstream.

Now it is up to gamers to make the best use of n!faculty's new facility. The clan has new benchmark for major clans worldwide. It could be the beginning of a revolution in gaming. Time will tell whether other teams will adopt the concept or if the n!faculty clubhouse will remain unique. Either way, Cologne definitely has a new attraction.

See the clubhouse